Search - Henryk Gorecki, Rudolf Werthen, Turin I Filarmonici :: Górecki: Three Pieces/Kleines Requiem/Good Night

A Mixed Bag?

D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/21/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Three Pieces in Old Style that begin this album are quiet and tranquil little gems - with the second being just the slightest bit jaunty. They are absolutely lush and will enfold you into eight minutes of pure peace. The Little Requiem for a Polka is altogether more serious and sometimes disturbing, but at its heart is an ironic playfullness. It has drive and an impish character, especially in the third movement which faintly resembles rush hour a la Gershwin. The final Adagio-Cantabile is delectably somber. The Good Night Requiem that closes the program is so soft and indistinct that it is hard to believe that the only two instruments playing are an alto flute and a piano. The soprano solo is lovely and rounds out the disc nicely. Telarc's sound is, as usual, impeccable. This is mostly a disc full of gentle, meditative music (with the exceptions of two jolts from within the Kleines Requiem). If you enjoy the sleepy qualities of Hovhaness or Faure, but don't mind the sonorities of Bartok, then you will enjoy this collection of short pieces by Gorecki."